My Son Sanctuary Small Group & Boat Trip (Morning Tour)

The My Son Sanctuary Small Group & Boat Trip offers travelers a chance to explore the UNESCO-listed site with a knowledgeable guide. Guests will enjoy a scenic drive from Hoi An, a rice paper-making demonstration, and a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River. This half-day adventure includes a delightful lunch, providing cultural insights for those seeking an enriching experience. Whether the weather’s sunny or rainy, this tour promises an immersive look into the history and traditions of this remarkable destination.

Good To Know

• This small group tour explores the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, includes a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, and lasts around 6 hours.
• The tour features a guided tour of My Son Sanctuary, a rice paper making demonstration, and a lunch at a local restaurant.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and all entry fees are included for convenience and a hassle-free experience.
• The tour is not suitable for young children or the elderly, and visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the sacred site visits.
• The tour has received positive reviews, with highlights including the knowledgeable guide and the delicious lunch, though some disappointment with the boat trip duration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a small group experience to explore the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, along with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River.

Explore the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary alongside a boat trip on the Thu Bon River in a small group setting.

It lasts 6 hours and costs $19.89 per person. Pickup from Hoi An hotels is included, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary covers a guided tour of My Son, a rice paper making demonstration, a break at a viewpoint, and a boat ride.

Lunch, transportation, and an English-speaking guide are provided.

Not suitable for young children or the elderly, the tour operates rain or shine with weather-related refunds.

Itinerary

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Hoi An between 7:30-8:00 AM.

Travelers then head to the My Son Sanctuary, an hour’s drive away. After arriving, they’ll embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the ancient Hindu temples.

Next, they’ll visit a local house to learn the traditional craft of rice paper making. Following a break at a viewpoint, guests will enjoy a 30-minute boat trip along the Thu Bon River.

The tour concludes with a 45-minute lunch at a restaurant before returning to Hoi An.

Inclusions

This tour includes several key inclusions to provide a comprehensive experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure convenient transportation. An English-speaking guide offers insights during the 2-hour tour of My Son Sanctuary.

Visitors can experience making rice paper at a local house and enjoy a 30-minute boat trip on the Thu Bon River. Lunch at a restaurant and bottled water are also provided.

The tour covers entry fees to My Son Sanctuary and electric car transfers to the temples. The inclusions cater to a well-rounded exploration of the historic site and cultural activities.

Important Information

Though the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years or people over 75 years, visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, and comfortable clothes.

Smoking isn’t allowed in the vehicle. The tour operates rain or shine, and refunds are available for weather-related cancellations.

Visitors are also advised against wearing short skirts, as the tour includes visits to sacred sites.

The tour includes a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, which may not be as long as some visitors expect.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have provided mixed feedback on the My Son Sanctuary Small Group & Boat Trip. The tour has an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 3 reviews.

Positive comments praise the knowledgeable guide and delicious lunch. However, some customers expressed disappointment regarding the boat trip duration and the guide’s insistence on activities. One reviewer felt the guide was overly pushy about certain inclusions.

Despite these minor issues, the majority of customers seem satisfied with the tour’s value, content, and execution. The combination of the historic My Son Sanctuary and cultural activities like rice paper making appears to deliver an enriching half-day experience.

Exploring My Son Sanctuary

What makes the My Son Sanctuary such a captivating destination? The ancient ruins, dating back to the 4th century, offer a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Champa civilization.

The ancient ruins of the My Son Sanctuary offer a glimpse into the rich cultural legacy of the Champa civilization.

Visitors can explore:

• Impressive brick towers and temples adorned with intricate carvings

• Remnants of hydraulic infrastructure that once powered the site

• Champa performances showcasing the region’s vibrant artistic traditions

• Insights into the rice paper making process at a local house

• Scenic boat rides on the tranquil Thu Bon River surrounding the sanctuary

This immersive experience allows travelers to truly connect with the history and traditions of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Rice Paper Making Experience

Visitors to the My Son Sanctuary have the opportunity to witness the traditional craft of rice paper making at a local house.

During this brief 30-minute stop, guests can observe the laborious process of transforming rice grains into delicate sheets of paper. They’ll see the rice being soaked, ground, and strained through a fine mesh before being spread thin and dried in the sun.

This centuries-old technique requires immense skill and patience. Guests can try their hand at the process, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artisanry behind this iconic Vietnamese product.

Boat Trip on Thu Bon River

After exploring the historic My Son Sanctuary, guests embark on a serene 30-minute boat trip along the Thu Bon River.

The boat ride offers a tranquil experience, allowing visitors to:

• Admire the picturesque riverscape, including lush vegetation and traditional Vietnamese houses along the banks.

• Observe local fishing activities and riverside life.

• Learn about the cultural and historical significance of the Thu Bon River from the knowledgeable guide.

• Capture breathtaking photographs of the scenic river and its surroundings.

• Relax and unwind after the engaging tour of the ancient Champa ruins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a dress code that prohibits short skirts. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as is bringing a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Smoking is not allowed during the vehicle transfers.

Are There Any Restrooms or Changing Facilities Available?

The tour includes stops at various destinations, but there is no mention of dedicated restroom or changing facilities. Visitors should plan accordingly and dress comfortably, as the itinerary involves walking and outdoor activities.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking, and the included lunch offers options like vegetarian and vegan dishes to cater to various requirements.

Is There an Option to Extend the Boat Trip Duration?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice. However, the boat trip duration is fixed at 30 minutes and cannot be extended. Guests who’d like a longer river experience may need to book a separate boat tour.

How Crowded Does the Site Typically Get During the Tour?

The site typically sees moderate crowds during the tour. Visitors can expect some congestion, but the small group size helps provide a more intimate experience compared to larger tours. The guide works to navigate the crowds and minimize disruptions.

The Sum Up

This half-day tour offers an enriching cultural experience at the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary. Guests will enjoy a scenic drive, a rice paper-making demonstration, a relaxing boat ride, and an informative guided tour of the ancient Hindu ruins. Suitable for travelers seeking insights into Vietnam’s heritage, this tour operates rain or shine, providing a well-rounded adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: